Maurice Picard was a very traditional man who didn't believe in technology, such as the replicator. He opposed Jean-Luc's decision to join Starfleet, instead preferring him to remain home and tend to the family vineyards in La Barre. A rift would grow between father and son because of this and would never fully heal, something which Jean-Luc would regret in later years. Maurice Picard was deceased by the 2360s, by which time his eldest son Robert had taken over the vineyards. (TNG: "Family", "Bloodlines")

In 2369, an image of the late Maurice was briefly created by Q in order to convince Jean-Luc he was dead. (TNG: "Tapestry")